Tarleton's 63 points in the loss to ACU were the most by a losing team in regulation play in Division II history.

But the Wildcats mustered 31 points against WT, and Midwestern scored late in the game to get to 20 points vs. the Buffs.

WT's improving defense could be the difference when the Buffs tackle Tarleton on Saturday night in Stephenville.

Through 10 games, WT is giving up 18 points a game and 322 yards. Those aren't the best numbers in Division II, but the Buffs play in a conference that last week boasted the top three offensive teams in the nation (Midwestern, WT and ACU, in that order).

The Buffs defense has improved steadily since 2003.

Four seasons ago, WT gave up 33 points per game and allowed 417 yards per game, and in 2004, the numbers were 31 points and 370 yards.

In coach Don Carthel's first season, 2005, WT still relied on outscoring its opponents, giving up 29 points and 419 yards a game.

But last year, WT improved on defense dramatically, holding opponents to 21 points and 326 yards a game.

On Saturday, UCO totaled 299 yards, including 89 yards on two plays - a 40-yard run and a 49-yard pass. The Bronchos got inside the WT 30-yard line seven times, going 0-for-4 in the red zone. UCO was not good in the red zone coming in - hence its 4-4 record - but WT did not allow the Bronchos to improve its league-last scoring percentage (47) from inside the 20.

The Buffs forced five turnovers for the second game this season.

Seven times this season, WT has kept opponents below 300 yards. In two other games, against ACU and Midwestern, the Buffs held their opponent well below their offensive averages of more than 500 yards.

In the LSC, WT now is:

first in red-zone defense.

second in scoring defense.

second in opponents' third-down conversions.

fourth in rushing defense.

fourth in total defense.

Individually, defensive end Brandon Swain is first in sacks, tackles for losses, forced fumbles and recovered fumbles. Teammate Jared Brock in second in the latter two categories.

"We're getting stronger and stronger," Swain said after the UCO game.

The first compliment from Carthel's mouth Saturday was that the Buffs "played great on defense."

WT has won two straight defensive battles against Tarleton, 30-26 (2005) and 21-16 (2006). Defensive? In losing the previous five games to the Texans, WT gave up an average of 46 points a game.